Boris Johnson's shock exit reverberates through British ruling party

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson walks at the parliament in London, Britain, March 22, 2023. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

LONDON (Reuters) -Old rifts resurfaced in Britain's ruling Conservative Party on Saturday following former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's abrupt resignation from parliament, while the opposition Labour Party sensed opportunity ahead of a general election next year.

Johnson quit late on Friday in protest against an investigation by lawmakers into his conduct as prime minister during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdown-breaking parties were held in Downing Street.